Research Methods and Social Science: Factors Influencing Drug Abuse Among Adolescents and Young Adults in New Zealand

Running head: RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL SCEINCE
Research methods and Social Science
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RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Table of Contents
Section I – Introduction...................................................................................................................3
Statement of the problem.............................................................................................................3
Rationale of the study..................................................................................................................3
Research question........................................................................................................................4
Section II – Review of literature......................................................................................................5
Literature review..........................................................................................................................5
Glossary.......................................................................................................................................6
Section III – Methodology...............................................................................................................7
Philosophical assumptions or worldview....................................................................................7
Research design...........................................................................................................................8
Participants..................................................................................................................................8
Inclusion criteria, recruitment process.........................................................................................8
Data collection instrument...........................................................................................................9
Data collection procedure............................................................................................................9
Data analysis procedures...........................................................................................................10
Section IV- Significance of the study............................................................................................11
Significance and benefits of the study.......................................................................................11
Positioning the researcher..........................................................................................................11
Section V- Ethical and Cultural consideration..............................................................................12

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RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Cultural considerations..............................................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................13
Appendices....................................................................................................................................16

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RESEARCH METHODS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Section I – Introduction
Statement of the problem
Drug abuse has been a significant topic for research among social science workers who
continually strive to reduce the burden of the behavior within communities. With rapid changes
in environmental dynamics and technology, the outlook and contributory factors behind
extensive drug abuse has witnessed a rapid evolution. For example, modern communication
facilities have led to easy access to drugs among youths (Kendler et al., 2014). The social
contributory factors leading to drug abuse also deserve much attention in this context.
Demographic factors such as family background, age, and factors such as cultural background
and peer pressure contribute considerably to drug abuse (Jalilian et al., 2015). The prevalence of
drug abuse among adolescents grabs the attention since the outcomes of such behavior are far-
reaching, encompassing academic, social and professional spheres (Boden et al., 2016). In
conclusion, the problem can be formulated as “exposure to unstable home environment with
diverse culture, poor family relationships, and association with drug abusing peers lead to drug
taking behavior among adolescents and young adults.
Rationale of the study
Alcohol and drug abuse rates in New Zealand have been on the higher side for the past
two decades. The most commonly used drug is cannabis, and as per a survey undertaken in 2013,
about 11% of individuals reported using cannabis over the past year. As per the reports of Drug
Foundation, New Zealand, the estimated annual cost of illicit drug-related harm is $1.8 billion
which included harms to health, family and to the community as a whole. The country’s
government is likely to spend around $350 million for addressing the issues associated with
increased drug abuse in the country each year (drugfoundation.org.nz, 2016).